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Is South Burlington a Good Place to Live? South Burlington, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Burlington ranks #66 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and high household income ($106,667, #34 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,787/mo, #210 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
South Burlington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South Burlington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in South Burlington?
South Burlington's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,787/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $483,135, 21% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | South Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 98 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $483,135#786 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,585/mo#936 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $443,400#876 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,787/mo#956 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
South Burlington housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. South Burlington is in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is South Burlington safe?
South Burlington recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #416 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 4,714 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | South Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 231#416 of 1,085 | 214 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 4,714#1072 of 1,085 | 1,419 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in South Burlington?
The median household in South Burlington earns $106,667, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | South Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $106,667#270 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.2%#7 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.2%#254 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.9%#1074 of 1,132 | -0.3% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Burlington?
The median resident of South Burlington is 38.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 67.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #66 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 38.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 67.6%#66 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 61.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Burlington's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for South Burlington; its public schools have 12.6 students per teacher and spend $23,871 per pupil. 22.3% of adults are obese and 6.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | South Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $23,871#77 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 22.3%#49 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 6.6%#38 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.1%#155 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 4.5%#37 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 2,681 students are enrolled in South Burlington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South Burlington?
The average commute in South Burlington is 17.7 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 1.1% of workers take transit and 19.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South Burlington scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.2°F and winters 24°F, with 37.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | South Burlington | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 17.7 min#177 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 67.3% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.6% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2.1% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 19.6% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28.9 | 12.9 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 31.5 | 14.3 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 40.9 | 23.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 35.9 | 3.1 |
| May | 69 | 47.8 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 57.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 82.4 | 62.4 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 60.7 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 52.9 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 41.8 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 46.4 | 32.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 35 | 21.3 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington International Airport.
| Measure | South Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 24°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 37.5 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in South Burlington?
Chittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | South Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#129 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Chittenden County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Chittenden County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0045% | 63% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0015% | 54% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does South Burlington compare with similar-size cities?
South Burlington is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #15 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 20,756.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #381 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro | 29.3 min |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #957 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 | 20.9 min |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #1301 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 | 20.5 min |
| Westbrook, MEPop. 20,775 | #107 | 68.1 | $85,038 | $1,392/mo | 153 | 18.7 min |
| Makakilo, HIPop. 20,735 | #660 | 55.7 | $118,550 | $2,276/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #1269 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 | 17.5 min |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #1057 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data | 38.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does South Burlington compare with the rest of Vermont?
South Burlington ranks #5 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.6 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 29% above the Vermont median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Vermont home.
| City | Rank in VT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #1 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #2 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #3 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #4 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #5 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 |
| Winooski, VTPop. 8,293 | #6 | 69.2 | $79,522 | $1,643/mo | 272 |
| Milton, VTPop. 3,555 | #7 | 67.5 | $77,550 | $1,471/mo | county/metro |
| White River Junction, VTPop. 3,364 | #8 | 65.5 | $77,168 | $1,222/mo | no data |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #9 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 |
| Brattleboro, VTPop. 7,657 | #10 | 62.6 | $52,734 | $1,113/mo | county/metro |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #11 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 |
| Springfield, VTPop. 4,237 | #12 | 60.2 | $46,760 | $818/mo | county/metro |
| Northfield, VTPop. 3,766 | #13 | 59.9 | $60,789 | $997/mo | county/metro |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #14 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #15 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro |
| Wilder, VTPop. 3,087 | #16 | 55.6 | $75,143 | $1,142/mo | no data |
| St. Albans, VTPop. 6,954 | #17 | 53.1 | $57,980 | $1,150/mo | 735 |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #18 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 |
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #19 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 |
| Newport, VTPop. 4,394 | #20 | 51.8 | $54,646 | $850/mo | 395 |
All 20 Vermont cities we track, by overall score. Vermont statewide: median income $82,730, violent crime 214.4 per 100,000.
How is South Burlington's score calculated?
South Burlington scores 69.6 out of 100, #66 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Vermont's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Burlington. Similar-size median 41.9.
77.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Burlington's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
57.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Burlington. Similar-size median 56.5.
85.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South Burlington's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 62.6.
88.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South Burlington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
56.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Burlington. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Burlington. Similar-size median 35.2.
38.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Burlington. Similar-size median 48.3.
63.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South Burlington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
78.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Burlington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South Burlington has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in South Burlington
Is South Burlington, VT a good place to live?
South Burlington ranks #66 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #2 of 67) and high household income ($106,667, #34 of 234), and trails on high rents ($1,787/mo, #210 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.9%, #134 of 151).
What is the cost of living in South Burlington?
South Burlington's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,787/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $483,135, 21% above the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
What is the crime rate in South Burlington?
South Burlington recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Vermont's 214. That ranks #416 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 4,714 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in South Burlington?
The median household in South Burlington earns $106,667, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 29% above Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in South Burlington?
Median rent in South Burlington is $1,787/mo (Census), #956 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,585/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Burlington?
The typical home value in South Burlington is $483,135, down 0.8% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $443,400.
How are the public schools in South Burlington?
There is no city graduation rate for South Burlington; its public schools have 12.6 students per teacher and spend $23,871 per pupil.
How long is the commute in South Burlington?
The average commute is 17.7 minutes, #177 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Burlington?
South Burlington averages 47.6°F over the year, 70.2°F in summer and 24°F in winter, with 37.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is South Burlington walkable?
South Burlington scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is South Burlington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in South Burlington?
Chittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in South Burlington?
South Burlington has 20,756 residents. The median resident of South Burlington is 38.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 67.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #66 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Burlington compare with the rest of Vermont?
South Burlington ranks #5 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 69.6 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 29% above the Vermont median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to South Burlington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Burlington's population of 20,756 are Derry, NH (#381 overall), Ashland, KY (#957 overall), Gallup, NM (#1301 overall), Westbrook, ME (#107 overall), and Makakilo, HI (#660 overall). South Burlington is #66.